As with any career, it takes time spent in the outdoors-leading trips, hiking trails and canoeing rivers-to feel comfortable about the terrain. As an Outward Bound Instructor, I studied youth development, knots, maps, read books on hiking, learned about... READ MORE

 I was planning for an Outward Bound summer. To be working with groups of teens and living in the woods for long stretches of time. To have a home in Western North Carolina and to be employed. I had... READ MORE

A few minutes into your Outward Bound course, you may think, “I’m nervous. I’m excited. I hope people like me.” A few days into the course, you may think, “I can’t do this. My body can’t do this. I want... READ MORE

If one thing is true, it’s that the world needs more outdoor educators.  Let me tell you why.  Outdoor Educators Wear Many Hats When we assess physical health in the field and tend to cuts and scrapes and sunburn, we’re... READ MORE

 Fabi Pereira is a surfer, sailor, sea kayaker, rock climber and backpacker. She’s also an adventurous Outward Bound Instructor from Brazil who works for the Outward Bound School in Maine. Fabi has led Outward Bound expeditions in Brazil, in... READ MORE

 Being an Outward Bound student is significantly different than that of instructing. As a student, you’re living the experience, not sure how it will unfold. As an Instructor, you’re holding intentional space for change, having put lots of planning... READ MORE

 Near the end of a recent 20-day course, my crew of young men were worn out from a day’s worth of canoeing. It was a cloudy night, and the moonlight was nonexistent. We spent several more hours paddling with... READ MORE

 How much does an outdoor educator really sleep? It’s a fair question, especially when there’s no ability to “clock out” while you’re in the wilderness. As an outdoor educator, you’re working until the expedition is over or until another... READ MORE

You decided to take the leap—you applied for a long course. Welcome to the first of many steps taken in courage along this journey. You probably felt the rush of adrenaline flow into your fingers as you clicked the submit... READ MORE

You finished your first Outward Bound course. Congratulations! Now you can’t wait to go on your next one, right? Maybe you took a classic course as a high school student, and you’re looking to continue your journey of self-discovery. What... READ MORE